Billy Connolly's Edinburgh jibe hits a nerve

Published on Thursday 8 May 2008 10:10

COMEDIAN Billy Connolly has put noses out of joint in the Capital by suggesting Edinburgh people are just not funny.

The former Glasgow shipyard welder reportedly said the Capital is a nice place but can't compete in the world of comedy.

He believes people from Glasgow, Liverpool, east London, Ireland and New York have the best sense of humour.

The 64-year-old was today quoted as saying: "I don't know why. I think it's about immigration, because I don't find Edinburgh people all that funny.

"They're very interesting and nice, but you wouldn't point to funny as being one of their features.

"I think it's because Glasgow gets a different kind of immigration.

"There was an Irish and Jewish immigration and Italian immigration, and a different kind of people from the Borders moved into the east side of the city. It's a different kind of town."

But River City actor Billy McElhaney, who was born and raised in Niddrie, said: "I'm sure he's tongue in cheek. I can't imagine him being serious. What a piece of nonsense."

Tommy Sheppard, owner of The Stand comedy clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow, said historically Edinburgh had different traditions to Glasgow's earthy humour.

"While there's no doubt there is a difference in traditions in both cities, nowadays young people have exactly the same taste in bars, clubs, clothes and humour," he reportedly said.

&#149 Does Billy have a point? See tonight's Evening News to see the Capital's sense of humour put to the test.